The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is advising pet owners to take extra precautions to ensure dogs, cats and other small pets are kept safe from hidden and potentially fatal winter hazards. As with humans, pets can fall ill upon exposure to extremely cold temperatures for extended periods. To avoid this, BVA is asking owners to consider putting a coat on old dogs or those with thin fur to keep them warm. It is also important to wipe your dog’s paws and belly on returning home from a snowy walk to remove any traces of ice or grit, and to regularly check for cracks in paw-pads or for redness between the toes.